That’s what makes Allen and Jesuit’s matchup Friday so pivotal for District 9-6A.

The two respectively lead the 9-6A standings, and the winner Friday will be the 9-6A title favorite entering the final 2.5 weeks of the regular season.

“I’m looking at some districts around the state, and I think every team in our district could be in the mix in some other districts,” Jesuit coach Chris Hill said. “I’ve been in some of those districts, and it’s not a knock on anybody. It’s more I’m trying to say I have so much respect for the coaching and players in the district we’re in, and I see every game as a potential playoff opponent.”

Jesuit beat Allen, 78-72, on Jan. 2 in the teams’ first clash this season. Guards Max Abmas (24 points) and Gavin Perryman (21) paced Jesuit as it moved high into the Class 6A state rankings and emerged as a championship contender -- by beating the reigning 6A champion.

Since then, Jesuit’s grappled with the parity Hill recognized throughout the district, falling to Plano West and Prosper in two of its last three games, but the Rangers would tie Allen in the 9-6A standings -- and hold two head-to-head wins -- with a victory Friday

Allen coach Joe McCullough joked his team’s first game against Prosper was “really good -- except we came out on the wrong end of it.” Guard Isaiah Stevens tallied 42 points, and his young team gained experience in a game with playoff implications.

McCullough said the Eagles haven’t talked much about their performance since, keeping their focus present, and it’s worked. Allen has won its last seven contests and would open a two-game lead in 9-6A if it triumphs in Jesuit’s Walsh Gym.

“I truly think we’re two of the top teams in the state,” McCullough said. “Getting a chance to play that again will be fun.”